Reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) are the two most common controlled radical polymerization methods. Both methods afford functional polymers with a predefined length, composition, dispersity and end group. Further, RAFT and ATRP tame radicals by reversibly converting active polymeric radicals into dormant chains. However, the mechanisms by which the ATRP and RAFT methods control chain growth are distinct, so each method presents unique opportunities and challenges, depending on the desired application. This Perspective compares RAFT and ATRP by identifying their mechanistic strengths and weaknesses, and their latest synthetic applications.

可逆加成断裂链转移（RAFT）聚合和原子转移自由基聚合（ATRP）是两种最常见的可控自由基聚合方法。这两种方法都提供了具有预定长度、组成、分散性和端基的功能聚合物。此外，RAFT 和 ATRP 通过将活性聚合物自由基可逆地转化为休眠链来驯服自由基。然而，ATRP 和 RAFT 方法控制链增长的机制是不同的，因此每种方法都存在独特的机遇和挑战，具体取决于所需的应用。本观点通过确定 RAFT 和 ATRP 的机械优势和劣势以及最新的合成应用来比较它们。